ATF leak

[aric711]

OK, so I was able to fix a brake fluid leak I had this weekend at the MC reservoir and while I was under the truck cleaning it up I noticed an ATF leak. Ugh!

I attached two pictures that show the fluid running down from the top, front of the tranny. Does anyone have any ideas on where this leak could be originating? I cant see above the tranny where the leak is starting. I can only see it leaking down from top somewhere and running down the side to drip on the road underneath.

It leaks more while moving, I've noticed than when it sits. There is generally a small puddle underneath in the mornings now when I leave for work, about the size of a golf ball.

I would appreciate any ideas anyone has.

BTW my rig is a 1993 3.0 with a slushbox. I haven't checked the fluid level recently, but the leak just started within the past couple weeks at most. Last time I checked the atf fluid it was full and looked good.

thanks,
aric

 

[aric711]

Additional thoughts

Ok, so I know its only been a few hours, but since I haven't had any insight so far, let me ask this question to clarify a few things.

What other components on the runner are filled with ATF?

I've read through my research that the power steering might also use ATF? and maybe some other systems as well?

I was thinking that I know the power steering pump looked a little leaky when I changed the belts a few weeks back. Could the fluid be running all the way from there down to where it is dripping off the bell housing? Any other systems that might be leaking ATF other than the obvious transmission?

Thanks for the insight, I really wanna make this truck one to be proud of. I've already done some badly needed maintenance to it and prepped to start modding it soon. But I want to be sure I'm starting with a good foundation first.

thanks,

aric

 

[supkar]

PS uses ATF. It's almost always a clamp or the high pressure hose going out of the reservoir to the steering box or in some cases, the rack and pinion

 

[aric711]

Yeah, that's great.

So I checked the truck out more thoroughly last night. Definitely the automatic transmission. It was just a dripping out while the truck was running. As soon as I turned it off it stopped. Checked the tranny dipstick (after going through the gears while stopped on a flat surface) and sure enough. It was down by the cold level. I had just driven it home so it was not cold. Does anyone have any idea how many quarts low that would equate to? Anyway, any suggestions on what might be leaking. It seems to be coming from towards the top of the bell housing somewhere. I'm afraid this may be a little above my capabilities to pull the transmission. Ugh! Really trying to fix all the leaks on this thing, but it's getting the best of me.

aric

 

[KidVermicious]

I don't know exactly where the transmission cooler lines exit the transmission, but that would be somewhere worth checking.

I also don't know if it's safe to use engine oil UV dye in the trans, but you could look into that if nothing else works. Either way, if it's coming from the top of the transmission you'll likely have to drop it to fix it.

 

[aric711]

Ok took the front left tire off and a heat shroud to trace the leak further back and lo and behold, no tranny leak at all. Head gasket on the drivers side is bad. Mystery solved. I know that is a common problem with these and there are many issues with them. Makes sense after also learning that Toyota coolant is red also.